Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 11th of July.
Good morning, Lafayette.
Thin Blue Line Motorcycle Club is holding a supply drive in St. Landry Parish to collect cleaning supplies and money for Texas flood victims.
The club—mostly comprised of law enforcement members—is partnering with local police, sheriff, and fire departments and will deliver the donations once a truckload of supplies is gathered.
On July 4th, a 6-year-old boy named DJ nearly drowned after falling into a casino pool during a family visit, but his mother's fast CPR and his stepfather's mouth-to-mouth resuscitation revived him and he later told hospital staff that he saw angels and clouds.
Today a new specialty license plate featuring art by Lafayette designer Denise Gallagher is available statewide—its design shows symbols of literature, visual arts, and music.
Proceeds support the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts and the plate is valid for life.
The Lafayette Parish School System earned national recognition for its school safety plan after proving that every school has a trained law enforcement officer on campus — LPSS School Resource Officers are now attending a conference in Dallas to share their expertise.
Robert Gautreaux returned to teaching agriculture at the W.D. and Mary Baker Smith Career Center starting July 1—after a demotion amid an investigation into allegedly forged bids on LPSS projects—as officials confirmed his reassignment today.
He now earns $19,000 less than when he served as LPSS Construction Director—holding an annual salary of $104,000—while the inquiry continues.
Officials say Lafayette is unlikely to see sudden flash floods like Texas because the flat terrain along the Vermilion River slows water flow and allows warnings days in advance.
The city uses advanced monitors and emergency systems including LafayetteNOW—launched in May—to manage river levels and reduce risks.
Up to 200 Marines will deploy to Louisiana to help ICE by doing clerical work and vehicle maintenance — they will not contact detainees directly.
Their arrival time and which facilities they will support have not been announced.
Two families from Duson and Carencro have united to plan a benefit cook-off next month — which will raise funds to support 8-year-old Eli, a miracle baby fighting a rare medical condition.
Alyse Young Live at La Pizzeria
6-9 p.m. — La Pizzeria Lafayette — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of soulful tunes from local artist Alyse Young in a cozy atmosphere.
whimsy Group Art Exhibition Open Reception
10 p.m. — The Hallway at the Warehouse on Garfield — Free entry — Explore a group multimedia art exhibition that blends childlike wonder with surreal artistic expression.
Taste of Acadiana
1-10 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Check for admission fees — Savor delicious dishes from 35 local restaurants while supporting community charities.
Louisiana, Texas, GOM Oil & Gas Job Fair
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Free entry — Network with industry professionals and explore job opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
WCI Marriage Retreat - Two Souls United in Christ
5 PM – 3 PM — Grand Coteau Retreats — Registration fee applies — Dive deeper into spiritual union and understand St. John Paul II's vision for marriage.
Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Moncus Park — Free entry — A vibrant Saturday market featuring fresh produce, handmade goods, and local crafts in a beautiful park setting.
CD Release Show Featuring Slim Bawb and Steve Judice
7-9 p.m. — Hideaway on Lee — Tickets available — Celebrate the launch of 'Iron Sharpens Iron' with live performances by the talented duo.
Sushi Mizu Live Music Night
6-9 p.m. — Sushi Mizu — Free entry — Enjoy the soothing sounds of Alyse Young while savoring delicious sushi and drinks.
ARCHIVES: whimsy Art Exhibition Closing Night
11 p.m.-2 a.m. — The Hallway at the Warehouse on Garfield — Free entry — Explore a multimedia exhibit blurring imagination and reality through whimsical art and playfulness.
Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans and Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture
6:30-8 p.m. — Vermilionville Performance Center — Free entry — Discover the impactful contributions of Black master artisans to the architectural landscape of Louisiana.
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